He is not satisfied when the works of a congregation are
inadequate. To the church at Ephesus He says: I have this against
you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from
where you have fallen; repent and do the first works (Revelation
2:4, 5). To the church at Sardis, He says: I have found no works of
yours perfected before my God (Revelation 3:2 WEB). He
commended the church at Thyatira: As for your works, the last are
more than the first (Revelation 2:19).

We must be always abounding in the work of the Lord (1
Corinthians 15:58).

The work of the church is prescribed in Scripture.

Paul told Timothy: I write so that you may know how you ought
to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the
living God (1 Timothy 3:15).

The work of the church is done by its members.

The church is the body of Christ.

2 For as we have many
members in one body, but all the members do not have the same
function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually
members of one another (Romans 12:4, 5).

Christians are always members of the body of Christ. We are to
do everything in the name of the Lord (Colossians 3:17) and to
present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

In a sense, then, all that Christians do, is done by the church.
But some things are done by individual members and some things are
done at the congregational level.

Because all the work of the church is done by its members
(either in their own name or as a congregation) New Testament
letters addressed to churches deal both with congregational and with
personal matters. A sharp distinction is seldom made because many
things apply to congregations and to members.

Various tasks are entrusted to believers and to congregations.

Individual Christians earn money to support their families.

4
Believers are to care for their own relatives (1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16).
If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Lydia was a seller of purple.5 Aquila and Priscilla were tentmakers.6

A church of Christ, however, has not been authorized to operate
a business. Jesus condemned those who conducted business in the
temple: Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all
those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables
of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He
said to them, ‘It is written, My house shall be called a house of
prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves’ (Matthew 21:12,
13).

Jesus condemned dishonest gain, but also using the temple for
something other than its intended purpose! This also applies to the
church. It may not be used for wrongful purposes.

Congregational resources result from free-will offerings on the
first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2)

7 and from special gifts
(Acts 4:34, 35). These resources may be used for all assignments
God has given the church.

Christians administer their own resources. Referring to the land
Ananias had sold, Peter said: While it remained, was it not your
own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? (Acts
5:4).

Congregational funds are administered by the elders: Then the
disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to
the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the
elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:29, 30).

About the Jerusalem congregation we read: And they continued
steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of
bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42).

This fellowship included friendly association, eating together and
helping one another: Now all who believed were together, and had
all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and
divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with
one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house,
they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart
(Acts 2:44-46).

The believers came together both as a large group (in the
temple) and in smaller groups (in homes). The expression ‘ate their
food with gladness’ refers to ordinary meals, not to the Lord’s supper
as in verse 42. They enjoyed being together and they enjoyed eating
together.

Where a congregation is to meet is not specified. Meetings were
held in the temple at Jerusalem,

10 in an upper room,11 in homes,12 and
in their own synagogues: For if there come into your synagogue a
man with a gold ring, etc. (James 2:2). Some translations have
‘assembly’ for ‘synagogue’, but it is synagogue in Greek.13

The command to assemble authorizes a congregation to make
arrangements for a place to meet.

The church assembles on the first day of the week to break
bread (Acts 20:7).

15 The Jerusalem church continued steadfastly in the
breaking of bread16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the
communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not
the communion of the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16).17

3. The church prays and sings to God.

The Jerusalem church continued steadfastly in prayers.

18 In the
assembly, Christians sing with the spirit and with the understanding
(1 Corinthians 14:15), speaking to one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in their heart to the
Lord (Ephesians 5:19).

Singing is melodious speaking. Unspiritual songs are excluded, of
course, but the general command to sing includes all types of singing
whether in unison or with harmony, whether in the chromatic scale or
some other scale, whether in a major or minor key. It is all singing.

If the command had been to make music instrumental music
would be included. But the command to sing excludes non-vocal
music.

4. The church preaches the gospel.

And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the
gospel to every creature’ (Mark 16:15). No single congregation or
individual can preach to everyone in the world. All Christians and
congregations work together to carry out this assignment.

Exactly how the gospel is to be preached, is not said. Thus
Christians and congregations may decide the best way to go (on foot,
by boat, by train, or by airplane) because they have been given the
general command

19 to go. They also make use of available means of
proclamation (sermons, tracts, newspapers, radio, TV, Internet)
because they have been given the general command to preach.

Christians preach both in their own vicinity and in other parts of
the world. Some go and others support those who go

Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has
been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all
things that I have commanded you’ (Matthew 28:18-20).

God gave apostles and prophets in the first century to found the
church (Ephesians 2:20) and evangelists, elders and teachers for all
times to build up the church

To teach disciples to observe all that Christ has commanded,
each congregation provides instruction according to its needs, abilities
and opportunities.

Exactly how the instruction is organized is not prescribed. Such
details may be decided by each congregation according to their own
circumstances. Many congregations, for example, have special classes
for children of various ages, for women, for people with various levels
of knowledge,

A collection is taken on the first day of the week. Now
concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the
churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week
let each one of you lay something aside,

24 storing up as he may
prosper, that there be no collections when I come (1 Corinthians
16:1, 2).

This example authorizes a congregation to have a collection on
the first day of the week and to form a treasury from which needs can
be met.

Paul prayed that the church at Colosse might be fruitful in every
good work (Colossians 1:10). Pure religion includes helping orphans
and widows (James 1:27).

In connection with the gifts collected by the church at Corinth,

26
Paul says that they shared with the saints and with all men. For the
administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the
saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,
while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the
obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your
liberal sharing with them and all men (2 Corinthians 9:12, 13).27 By
doing good, the church brings glory to God.

In the letter to the churches of Galatia (Galatians 1:2) Paul
wrote: And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due
season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have
opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the
household of faith (Galatians 6:9, 10).

Since the church cannot alleviate all needs, fellow Christians
have priority.

After seven men had been sought out by the church at
Jerusalem, they were appointed by the apostles to take care of the
widows (Acts 6:3).

The appointment of elders and deacons who meet the Biblical
qualifications, may be done with the help of an evangelist. Paul told
Titus: For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order
the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I
commanded you (Titus 1:5).

A congregation may not allow its members to bring reproach on
the church by their conduct or by false teaching. After a loving
attempt to bring the person to repentance, if he refuses to repent, he
must be excluded from the fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:11-13).

A congregation can give letters of recommendation to traveling
Christians to confirm that they may be accepted as fellow believers (2
Corinthians 3:1).

May our works be acceptable to God!

We have examined several tasks God has given the church. The
church is to assemble for worship and for other suitable purposes. A
collection is taken on the first day of the week and special
contributions may also be given. With these resources the gospel is
preached and believers are edified. The church does good, especially
to believers. The church appoints qualified men as elders and
deacons, and withdraws fellowship from those who persist in sin.
These are some examples of works of the church.

Both in our daily lives and as a church, let us be always
abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and
glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Amen.
Roy Davison

1 Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15. This is according to the Textus Receptus and the Majority Text.
A few manuscripts lack this statement for Smyrna and Pergamos.2 Ephesians 1:22, 23.3 A Christian, for example, may place an ad offering to study the Scriptures with people. He does not
have to ask anyone’s permission to do this if he uses his own name and address, and pays for it
himself. He may not do something in the name of a congregation, however, without asking permission.
This also applies to preachers. They may preach whenever and wherever they wish. But they may not
do something in the name of a congregation without permission.4 Christians may not burden the church with their personal responsibilities. Believers are commanded
to work with their own hands so they will lack nothing (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12). Christians are to
work in quietness and eat their own bread (2 Thessalonians 3:11, 12). They must work with their
hands so they will have something to give to those who are in need (Ephesians 4:28). Children and
grandchildren ought to help their needy mother or grandmother (1 Timothy 4:4, 16). The church has a
back-up responsibility with regard to such needs (1 Timothy 5:16).5 Acts 16:14.6 Acts 18:2.7 See also 2 Corinthians 9:7.8 This proves that one congregation may send funds to another congregation. Division has been
caused by some who condemn churches that send funds to another congregation for mission work.
Although this instance relates to benevolent work, the principle, like the Sunday collection, applies to
all works a congregation is authorized to do.9 Christians assembled to pray for Peter when he was in prison (Acts 12:5, 12) and to hear a report
given by missionaries (Acts 14:27). Everything must be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians
14:40).10 Acts 2:26; 5:12.11 Acts 20:8.12 Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2.13 In the New Testament, the word usually refers to a meeting house. The statement ‘come into your
synagogue’ suggests a building, as does the reference to seating arrangements. Compare with Mark
1:21; Luke 4:16; Acts 18:19; 19:8.14 The meeting place has no special meaning for Christians because under the New Covenant the
believers themselves are the temple of God (1 Peter 2:4, 5). Thus special rules about what may or may
not be done in ‘the church building’ have no Scriptural foundation because a congregation can just as
easily meet in a field, under a tree, in a cave, or in someone’s home. What one may do in the assembly
or with congregational resources are Scriptural questions.
Discord is sometimes sown by people claiming that Christians may not eat in a building that belongs
to the church. To support this they usually appeal to Paul’s statement: What! Do you not have houses
to eat and drink in? (1 Corinthians 11:22). In that context, however, Paul is discussing a situation
where the Lord’s table was being degraded to a regular meal. In the assembly it is indeed true that one
may not have a regular meal rather than the Lord’s supper! The Lord’s supper is not intended to satisfy
hunger.
Paul ate in the meeting place at Troas. In Acts 20:7 the believers came together in an upper room on
the first day of the week to break bread, which refers to the Lord’s supper. Paul preached until
midnight. After he raised Eutychus from the dead, he went back upstairs. Then we read: Now when
he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed
(Acts 20:11). This refers to a regular meal since it says only that ‘he’ ... ‘had broken bread and eaten’.
If it referred to the Lord’s supper, it would have said when ‘they’ had broken bread and eaten. The
informality of the situation makes it clear that this was not a part of the regular assembly and talked a
long while, even till daybreak.15 See also 1 Corinthians 11:18, 26, 33; 14:23; Hebrews 10:25.16 Acts 2:42.17 See also 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.18 Acts 2:42.19 Sometimes discord is caused by people who insist that an example must be found in the Bible for
every application of a general principle or command in the New Testament. But a general command
authorizes all ways of obeying that command that do not conflict with other principles or commands.20 Churches have an obligation to support preachers and missionaries (1 Corinthians 9:6-14;
Philippians 4:15-18). When Paul preached at Corinth, he received support from churches in
Macedonia (2 Corinthians 11:8, 9), and he suggested that the church at Corinth might help him on his
way at a later time (2 Corinthians 1:16). Churches also sent men to serve Paul on their behalf (Acts
19:22; Philippians 2:25; Philemon 12-14).21 There can be several brethren in one congregation who are teachers (Acts 13:1). Not everyone is a
teacher in this sense (James 3:1). Elders and teachers can be supported (1 Timothy 5:17, 18; Galatians
6:6).
Teaching disciples to observe all that Christ has commanded includes combating false doctrine
(Ephesians 4:14; Titus 1:9). When false teachers from Judea came to Antioch, the church sent Paul and
Barnabas and a few others to Jerusalem to discuss the problem (Acts 15:1-4).
A congregation can send someone to help build up a congregation in another place (Acts 11:22).
Although each congregation has its own responsibility, evangelists sometimes give instruction in more
than one congregation. Titus taught several congregations on Crete (Titus 1:12-14; 2:6, 8, 15; 3:1, 2,
8). This does not mean that Titus exercised authority over these congregations, as is sometimes
claimed, but simply that he provided instruction.22
A new Christian must be fed with ‘milk’ until he is able to digest ‘solid food’. And I, brethren,
could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk
and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not
able (1 Corinthians 3:1, 2). However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the
wisdom of this age (1 Corinthians 2:6).
In time, Christians are to advance in knowledge. The Hebrews were reprimanded because they had not
grown: For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the
first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For
everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But
solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses
exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14).23 To fill the need for advanced instruction, some congregations set up a program of concentrated or
even full-time Bible study with teachers from their own congregation and from other congregations.
The instruction is given to people in the area, some of whom may have moved there to study. A
congregation is authorized to do this by the commission of Christ: teaching them to observe all things
that I have commanded you (Matthew 28:20) and the brethren who teach are authorized by Paul’s
command to Timothy: And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit
these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).24 Some translations have at home although the original has by himself, corresponding with as
he purposes in his heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). That at home is not intended is clear from the context
because Paul wanted to avoid a collection being taken after he arrived. Also, why would it have to be
on the first day of the week if it were not in the weekly assembly?25 A congregation may agree to give something in the future (2 Corinthians 9:5). A congregation may
appoint a brother to take a gift to its destination (1 Corinthians 16:3). One brother may be chosen for
this by several congregations, and accountability should be maintained (2 Corinthians 8:18-23). Paul
made these arrangements so no one could question his integrity in financial matters. In church
finances, high accounting standards should be maintained, providing for what is honorable not only in
the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men (2 Corinthians 8:21). 26 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2.27 Since them in verse 13 refers back to saints in verse 12, all includes non-Christians. Some
condemn churches that help needy non-Christians. They say individual Christians may help them, but
that the church may not. They claim that all men means all Christians and they deny that Let us
do good to all (Galatians 6:10) applies to the church. Considering the subjectivity of their opinion,
ought they not to at least admit that all possibly refers to all men and that Galatians 6:10 possibly
applies to the church? Then they could be less judgmental.28 2 Thessalonians 1:1.29 Once when Jesus was criticized for healing on the Sabbath, He replied: What man is there
among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift
it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on
the Sabbath (Matthew 12:11, 12). 30 Acts 4:4.31 Acts 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 8:1-4, 12-15; 9:12, 13; Romans 15:25-28; Acts 24:17.32 See 1 Timothy 3:1-15; Titus 1:5-9.33 See also Matthew 18:15-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 5:4, 5, 13; Romans 16:17; 2
Corinthians 2:6.